Istanbul, 28 April 2023 (Anadolu News)
As the Pakistani army voiced support for 'further development' of the country’s relations with China, Beijing hailed Islamabad as a defender of 'ironclad' bilateral relations.
General Asim Munir made his comments after he met China’s foreign policy chief, Wang Yi, in Beijing late Thursday, a readout from Beijing said. “The Pakistani army firmly supports the further development of Pakistan-China relations,” Munir told Wang, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and state media.
“Pakistan will always stand with China through thick and thin no matter how the international situation changes,” Munir told Wang.
Asim’s meeting with Wang came on the same day when Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang on Thursday, their first contact since the latter took office last month.
Islamabad, during the phone call, had reiterated its support for China on the Taiwan issue. Sharif congratulated Li and reiterated Pakistan’s “unstinting” support to Beijing’s “one-China” policy, as well as its stance on Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
Wang lauds successive Pakistani administrations, political parties for commitment to China
Wang told Munir that the Pakistani army was a staunch defender of the “ironclad friendship” between China and Pakistan, which is “founded on mutual respect, trust and support, and has withstood changes in the international landscape.”
The Chinese foreign policy chief also “commended successive Pakistani administrations and all political parties for their commitment to friendly policies towards China.”
“China will continue to firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, achieving unity, stability, and development, and playing an active role in the region and the world as a major Muslim country,” Wang told Munir, who is a on four-day trip to Pakistan’s close ally.
China and Pakistan have seen bilateral relations strengthening over decades, with annual trade rising over $27 billion, while the two countries have also strengthened defense relations. Their cooperation at multilateral forums such as the UN has become more consistent.
Meanwhile, China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group Co Ltd has carried out a study on a proposed railway connecting Pakistan’s port of Gwadar in the South Asian nation’s southwestern Balochistan province to Kashgar in China’s western Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.
If done, it would be Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) most expensive transport infrastructure, costing around 400 billion yuan ($57.7 billion), according to the daily South China Morning Post.
The study has deemed the project as of “strategic significance” for China.
Since 2014, China has invested around $28 billion in various energy and infrastructure projects in the South Asian country under the BRI’s flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, allowing the world’s second-largest economy to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea via the Gwadar Port.
Wang told Munir that the two sides should take the 10th anniversary of the BRI as well as CPEC – that falls next year – as an “opportunity to promote the quality and efficiency of the corridor and help Pakistan enhance its independent development capabilities.”
The CPEC also drew hundreds of Chinese workers and institutions to establish bases in Pakistan, which has seen few terrorist attacks inside the South Asian nation.
In a rare case, a Chinese national working on Pakistan’s Dasu Dam, identified only as Tian, was earlier this month arrested on charges of alleged blasphemy and was set free on Thursday after a court granted him bail in Abbottabad city. Tian has denied the charges.
London, 26 April 2023 (Anadolu News)
Strong support programs in major economies, a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) said Wednesday.
The IEA's annual Global Electric Vehicle Outlook report showed that more than 10 million electric cars were sold worldwide in 2022, a record increase of 55% compared to the previous year.
The explosive growth brought electric cars' share of the overall car market to 14% last year from 9% in 2021 and 4% in 2020.
The total number of electric cars on the roads reached 26 million after last year's record surge.
"Electric vehicles are one of the driving forces in the new global energy economy that is rapidly emerging and they are bringing about a historic transformation of the car manufacturing industry worldwide," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said on the report.
"The trends we are witnessing have significant implications for global oil demand. The internal combustion engine has gone unrivalled for over a century, but electric vehicles are changing the status quo. By 2030, they will avoid the need for at least 5 million barrels a day of oil. Cars are just the first wave: electric buses and trucks will follow soon."
Data shows the majority of electric car sales to date are concentrated in China, Europe and the US.
China accounted for about 60% of global electric car sales last year and also accounted for over 50% of all the electric cars on the world's roads, with a total of 13.8 million.
"This strong growth results from more than a decade of sustained policy support for early adopters, including an extension of purchase incentives initially planned for phase-out in 2020 to the end of 2022 due to COVID-19, in addition to non-financial support such as rapid roll-out of charging infrastructure and stringent registration policies for non-electric cars," the IEA said in the report.
The share of electric car sales in China's total domestic car sales reached 29% last year, up from 16% in 2021.
Europe and US account for 35% of new electric car sales
Europe remained the world's second largest electric car market after China, accounting for 25% of all electric car sales in 2022 and 30% of the global stock.
The continent last year saw an increase of 15% in electric cars sales, reaching 2.7 million. The sales share of electric cars rose to 21% last year from 18% in 2021.
Germany was the biggest market in Europe with 830,000 new electric car registrations in 2022, followed by the UK with 370,000 and France with 330,000. Spain registered over 80,000 new electric cars.
However, electric car sales in Italy fell to 115,000 last year from 140,000 in 2021 while they also decreased or stagnated in Austria, Denmark and Finland.
The new electric car sales in the US neared one million, accounting for 10% of the global growth in sales.
The total stock of electric cars in the US reached 3 million as the share of 2022 electric car sales was 8% of total car sales.
Although electric car sales are concentrated in a few markets, India, Indonesia and Thailand were among the countries recording significant growth last year.
Electric car sales in Türkiye nearly double
Türkiye saw about 7,500 new electric car registrations in 2022, almost doubling sales in 2021.
The total electric car stock in the country reached over 16,000 after last year's growth. The share of electric cars in Türkiye's total car market stood at 1% in 2022.
Türkiye aims to produce 1 million units of the first indigenous electric car brand Togg by 2030. Togg began selling its first model, the T10X, in the domestic market and plans to deliver 20,000 units of electric cars within this year.
This year's Q1 sales up 25% worldwide
In the first quarter of this year, global sales of electric cars grew by 25% compared to the same period of 2022, reaching 2.3 million. This number is forecast to hit 14 million by the end of the year.
"Ambitious policy programs in major economies such as the Fit for 55 package in the European Union and the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States are expected to further increase market share for electric vehicles this decade and beyond," said the report.
In parallel with the stronger policies, the average share of electric cars in total sales across China, the EU and the US is set to rise to about 60% by 2030.
As the growing electric car market is increasing demand for battery production, the report said that announced battery manufacturing projects would be more than enough to meet demand for electric vehicles.
"However, manufacturing remains highly concentrated, with China dominating the battery and component trade and increasing its share of global electric car exports to more than 35% last year," the IEA cautioned, stressing the need for improving competition in other regions.
Rawalpindi, 25 Apr 2023
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif said today that retired officers forums are bound by the rules and regulations prohibiting them involving in national politics.
Addressiing to the press conference on national security and terrorism, he said the military was focused on rooting out terrorism, and it respects all the politicians and political parties.
Giving detail on matters pertaining to security and terrorism in the ongoing year,” he said the situation at the LoC has remained relatively peaceful after the restoration of the 2003 ceasefire agreement, however, New Delhi’s “fake propaganda on infiltration and technical air violations show India’s special political agenda.
He said, Pakistan had allowed the United Nation’s observers complete access to the LoC, where as India has not given them (UN observers) access or liberty of action.
He said Pakistan had organised 16 trips to the LoC in the past few days, including visit by Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and international media, but no such visit was organised by India, which shows hiding the reality of the situation in [occupied] Kashmir,” he added.
He said India had violated the LoC ceasefire 56 times in the ongoing year, which included three violations of airspace, 22 incidents of speculative firing, six ceasefire violations and 25 technical airspace violations.
Pakistan Army had struck down six spy quadcopters, and is prepared to (deal with) any such attempts by India.
Talking about the situation on the country’s Western frontiers of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ISPR Chief said that terrorists had been trying to destroy peace, however, the security forces, police and other law enforcement agencies are engaged in foiling their attempt.
An Afghan suicide bomber from Kunduz, identified as Imtiaz, was arrested from Bajaur. other terrorists, who were trained by Jamaatul Ahrar and TTP’s Maulvi Abdul Baseer alias Aizam Safi in Afghanistan, were also arrested.
He said that three terrorists had reached Karachi via Hub carried out the attack on KPO had been killed in retaliatory action by security forces, and three masterminds behind this attack were also arrested along with arms and ammunition.
The DG ISPR said overall 137 security personnel were martyred and 117 injured in anti-terror operations in the ongoing year.
During question-answer session, the ISPR Chief replied about role of the army in the Punjab elections, social media campaign against the military leadership and possibility of disciplinary action against some retired generals.
He said that Pakistan army is a national army, for us all politicians, all parties are respectable.
While replying to a question, he saif that everyone had the right to have an opinion, stressing that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir had reiterated that the people of Pakistan were the source of power.
“The army will not want to go to any one ideology or party. Every region is represented in the army. The cooperation of the army with them is to the extent of operations against terrorism,” he stressed.
Answering another question regarding the campaign against the army on social media, he said that using army for a particular political or religious cause could lead to chaos, both the people and the army would not want the army to be associated with any particular political party. “Political leaders should strengthen our thinking. The army and the politicians have a non-political relationship, it will not be appropriate to give it a political colour.
On a question about arrest of Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib, the ISPR DG said: “Veterans (retired soldiers) are our asset. Their sacrifices are for the forces of Pakistan. Veteran groups are not political organisations, but charitable organisations. They should not do politics.
Regarding decision about deployment of military personnel for the election in Punjab, he said that it was done by the federal government under Article 245 of the Constitution.
The position that the Ministry of Defence had told the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court [in this matter] is based on the facts on the ground.
Istanbul, 24 Apr. 2023 (Anadolu News)
Ever since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-driven chatbot developed by research and development firm OpenAI, has been a topic of discussion among journalists regarding its potential influence on the news industry and media.
ChatGPT is capable of automatically generating text based on written prompts and engaging in conversational interactions with users by answering their questions.
It has gained immense popularity, reaching more than 100 million users within the first two months.
The chatbot's appeal lies in its detailed and human-like responses in a conversational format, including the ability to challenge incorrect assumptions and answer follow-up questions.
The Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, the BBC and the New York Times benefit from artificial intelligence to produce content, personalize their offerings and improve audience engagement.
The US-based media outlet BuzzFeed is also planning to use ChatGPT to improve their quizzes and personalize certain content for their audiences.
Speaking to Anadolu, Jonathan Soma, who runs a data journalism program at Columbia University's Journalism School, described ChatGPT as a "fantastic tool" for producing ideas and giving suggestions to journalists.
"But just like any suggestions, they are apt to be misleading or incorrect. That is why ChatGPT works best alongside journalists, as a tool to assist their process, not as a standalone product that does the work of a journalist,” Soma said in an email interview.
He said that many news organizations are enthusiastic about utilizing GPT-powered instruments to publish stories but noted that this is a higher-cost investment.
"This could be seen when CNET recently published a large number of error-prone articles: even when it's claimed that editors review and revise AI-generated pieces, they probably don't!"
"It's very easy for the business case of ‘increasing productivity’ to overrule the ability of journalists to take care and produce their best work,” he added.
CNET, a US-based tech website, has reportedly published AI-generated content.
Asked about ChatGPT’s role to enhance the quality and efficiency of journalism, Soma said it can do a good job at fact-checking despite its "tendency to hallucinate."
"GPT-based automated tools for analyzing datasets and querying large sets of documents are quickly maturing and can do a lot to improve the accuracy of reporting."
"For example, if I'm writing about a rise in shoplifting, it can automatically query a database to see if this is an accurate portrayal."
Biggest problem with ChatGPT is 'absolutely accuracy'
In February 2023, OpenAI announced its plan to offer a subscription service called ChatGPT Plus.
This service provides numerous advantages to its subscribers such as quicker responses with priority access to new updates and enhancements. It costs $20 per month.
ChatGPT has some limitations, as it can give wrong responses, not just once but possibly multiple times.
OpenAI already accepts the limitations.
"ChatGPT sometimes writes a plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answer," the company says.
Soma also agrees that the biggest problem with ChatGPT is “absolutely accuracy,” which brings some potential ethical concerns associated with the use of it in journalism such as bias or accuracy issues.
"Large language models tend to ‘hallucinate,’ and give answers to questions that are incorrect but sound accurate," he said.
"Someone who can say ‘I don't know’ is more trustworthy than someone who always has an answer, and it is unfortunately very difficult to cajole ChatGPT into saying ‘I don't know.’”
Asked about the challenges journalists would face in integrating ChatGPT into their workflow, he said "fear" and a "lack of knowledge" probably are the largest issues for the news industry.
"The messaging around ChatGPT is one of those things -- it's perfect and all-knowing, or it's a biased garbage machine."
"If journalists can take the time – not on deadline, not explicitly for work – to play around with ChatGPT in a guided environment, it could do a lot to help them see its strengths and weaknesses."
Khartoum, 19 Apr 2023 (Anadolu News)
The Pakistani Embassy in Khartoum came under fire on Wednesday amid clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement, the embassy said that it was hit by three bullets during the clashes.
“This is a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention as the Host Government is responsible for providing security to diplomatic missions,” the statement said.
The embassy called on Sudan’s conflicting parties “to exercise constraint” and requested the Sudanese government “to immediately deploy security personnel for the protection and security of Embassy of Pakistan.”
The embassy urged all Pakistani national in Sudan “to stay at homes and avoid unnecessary outgoings due to deteriorating security situation.”
Several foreign diplomats have come under attack in Sudan in recent days.
On Monday, the EU ambassador in Sudan, Aidan O'Hara, was assaulted at his residence in Khartoum. A US diplomatic convoy also came under fire in the same day.
And on Tuesday, Wim Fransen, head of the EU humanitarian operation in Sudan, was wounded by a gunshot in Sudan.
Fighting raged for the 5th day between the Sudanese army and RSF fighters in Khartoum and its surrounding areas, leaving at least 270 dead and 2,600 others injured, according to the Health Ministry.
While the RSF accused the army of attacking its forces south of Khartoum with light and heavy weapons, the military said the paramilitary force was "spreading lies" and declared it a "rebel" group.
A disagreement between the two military rivals regarding military and security reform, which envisages the full participation of the RSF in the army, has turned into a hot conflict in the last few months.
The dispute between the two sides came to the surface last week, when the army said recent movements by the RSF had occurred without coordination and were illegal.
Sudan has been without a functioning government since October 2021, when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s transitional government and declared a state of emergency in a move decried by political forces as a “coup.”
Sudan’s transitional period, which started in August 2019, was scheduled to end with elections in early.
Doha, 19 Apr. 2023
Katara Cultural Village Foundation announced the winners of 6th Katara Quran Recitation.
Qari Muhammad Hassan Hassanzadeh, Afghan national was declared winner and awarded 1st prize along with cash award of QR 500,000; 2nd prize was won by Qari Ahmed Jamal Al-Mansrawi, Iraqi national, with a cash award of QR 300.000,; and 3rd placed position was won by Qari Abdul Razeq Ashraf Salah Al-Shahawy from Egypt, along with a cash award of 100 thousand Qatari riyals.
Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation awarded the winners in presence of Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Muhammad bin Ghanem Al-Thani, Director General of General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs.
The winners of the Katara Award for Quran recitation expressed their pleasure on receiving their awards.
They said such competitions are very important and will attract and motivate others to take part in such healthy activities.
They praiaed the organizational skills and on large participation from Arab and other regions.
Muhammad Hassan Hassan Zadeh, the first-place winner, said that winning the Katara Prize for recitation is a great honor for him, given the international reputation the award.
Ahmed Jamal Al-Mansrawi, the winner of the second place, expressed his belief that all those who qualified for the final stage of the Katara Recitation Award are all winners.
Abdel-Razek Ashraf Salah Al-Shahawy, winner of 3rd place, expressed his pride in obtaining the prestiigious. award.
Al-Shahawi, who studies at the Faculty of Fundamentals of Religion affiliated to Al-Azhar University, said that his upbringing was in a Qur’anic atmosphere, as he began memorizing the Holy Qur’an at the age of four and completed memorization at the age of eight years,
The jury members of the Katara Award for Holy Quran Recitation, in both parts (rules of intonation and vocal performance), expressed their belief that the sixth edition of the Katara Award for Holy Quran Recitation is the most distinguished, due to the diversity of its participants, which included all Arab and Islamic countries.
Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Maasrawi said that the Katara Award for Holy Quran Recitation is witnessing progress year after year.
Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Akkawi, a member of the jury, said that the Katara Award in its successive years has produced qualified and strong candidates to compete at the international competitions.
Sheikh Bahloul Abu Arqoub, an expert and professor of Maqamat science, a member of the arbitration committee, said that 90% of the votes participating in the sixth session of the Katara Award for Holy Quran Recitation are very distinct.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 15 April 2023
The Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi's (PBPC) mark recently 'Zayed Humanitarian Work Day' by paying homage to the Emirate founding leader late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi. 10th April is the death anniversary of Founding late leader.
The delegation commenced the visit by paying homage and offering 'Fateha' at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed, recalling his leadership and wise approach that enriched the culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence among various nations of the world. In addition, specially Pakistani community pays it's highest gratitude to the late leader for his unforgettable noble works in various parts of Pakistan in various sectors including health, education, water system and numerous others for elevating under-privileged sections of the society.
Marked every year on the 19th day of Ramadan, PBPC Abu Dhabi, together with the nation of UAE, dedicates "Zayed Humanitarian Work Day "to remember the noble and well-establishes human values of giving, kindness/generosity, good deeds and rich legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan showed throughout his tenure as the Ruler of the UAE, until passing away in 2004.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also joined the members of the delegation led by the President of PBPC Dr. S. Qaiser Anis including were PBPC Founding Members, Board Members Members of the Council; Chairman and Board Members of Canadian Business Council; BENELUX Business Council; Indian Business & Professional Group; Iraqi Business Council; Palestine Business Council; and Philippine Business Council.
About the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (SZGMC) was established by decree number 18 the year 2008 issued by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs, in 2008 and amendment number 7 the year 2012. According to the decree, the SZGMC aims to;
- Emphasize the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s noble deeds and contributions to humanity, in a way that commemorates his legacy and memory.
- Cooperating with research centers as well as religious, educational, and cultural institutions
- Enhance cross-cultural communication and introduce the Center as a cultural tourism destination.
For more information visit their website https://www.szgmc.gov.ae
Doha, 16 April 2023 (QT)
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Qatar is an important partner for Ukraine in the Middle East and the two countries have worked together on a range of issues, from food and energy security, trade and investments to cultural cooperation, Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar Andrii Kuzmenko has said.
Talking to the reporter on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Qatar, the envoy said that over the past three decades, both countries have worked tirelessly to strengthen their friendship and cooperation. “During that time, our two countries have forged a strong and enduring partnership, one that has deepened and diversified in many fields. Our diplomatic relations have evolved to a robust partnership, characterised by mutual respect, shared global vision, trade and investment and cultural cooperation,” he said.
April 13, 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Qatar. The Embassy of Ukraine in Qatar was opened in 2012 and the Embassy of Qatar in Ukraine opened in 2013.
Ambassador Kuzmenko said these two embassies have played a crucial role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, while also providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and the development of joint initiatives.
He said, “In recent years, we have seen significant progress in our economic relations. Our two countries have signed a number of agreements to boost trade and investment. In 2020, we truly witnessed a breakthrough in the field of investment, when a concession agreement was signed between the Ministry of
Infrastructure of Ukraine, the ‘Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine’ and the winner of the competition for the concession of the Ukrainian port ‘Olvia’
(Mykolaiv Region), the Qatari company ‘QTerminals’.
With 35 year-long concession agreement, the Qatari company undertook to invest UAH 3.4 billion over the span of five years by committing to the development of the Ukrainian ‘Olvia’ port and its infrastructure.” QTerminals plans to modernise the grain terminal, update cargo equipment and improve warehouse facilities.
This is currently the largest direct foreign investment in the port industry of Ukraine since Ukrainian independence.
The envoy added that despite the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, there is a growing interest from Qatari businesses in exploring opportunities in Ukraine, especially those in post-war reconstruction and development.
He hoped for a significant increase in the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to Qatar, which, potentially, can be one of the largest markets for Ukrainian grain in the Gulf region.
He said that both Ukraine and Qatar share common values in their long-standing commitment to peace and stability, as both countries have a goal to support development and improve food and energy security throughout the Middle East region and beyond. The ambassador believes that the synergy of both sides’ efforts can ensure a safer, more secure and more prosperous future for all.
The Ukrainian envoy expressed gratitude to Qatar for its significant contribution of $20 million under the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ humanitarian initiative and reiterated that it will continue joint efforts to mitigate the severe consequences of Russian aggression.
He hoped that Qatar will continue its noble mission in ‘Grain from Ukraine’ programme by participating in the Second International Summit for Food Security.
Kuzmenko said Qatar, in its capacity as an influential regional leader and in global political processes, can combine efforts on the implementation of the Peace Formula proposed on 15th November 2022 by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi during G20 summit which ensures lasting peace for the people of the whole world. Peace Formula ensures global food security and energy security.
He added that Ukraine is proud of the growing cultural ties with Qatar. “Our two countries have organised numerous cultural events and activities, including art exhibitions, concerts and movie screenings. These activities have helped to foster a deeper understanding of our respective cultures and traditions, and have strengthened the bonds between our peoples,” the envoy said.
Celebrating 30th diplomatic bilateral relations, he thanked the Qatari government and people for their continued support and friendship towards Ukraine. He hoped that strong bilateral relations will continue to deepen and expand in the years ahead.
Doha, 16 Apr. 2023
To celebrate the major milestone of the first and only hotel in Qatar to reach 100,000 followers till date on the social media platform Instagram, Banana Island Resort Doha, luxury hotel destination in Qatar, introduces the 100K Qatari Riyals Package, another first in Doha market.
Banana Island, “No.10 in Best 50 Resorts in the World” and “No.3 in Best Resorts in the Middle East” in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022,
Banana Island once again proved its global standing and cemented its worldwide position as the leading player in lux hospitality and the number one luxury destination in Qatar – recently being recognized as “Best Luxury Island Resort in Qatar”by Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023.
Available from 16 April until 6 May 2023 in time for the Eid festivities, this extraordinary 100K Qatari Riyals Package includes a two-night stay in a Five Bedroom Over Water Villa (which can accommodate up to 10 adults), a year-long Al Massa Gold Membership, transfers to and from the island aboard their private luxury boat, an afternoon tea pontoon boat trip, among others.
Throughout their stay, the ten guests will be able to indulge in such exquisite gastronomic experiences with a provision of breakfast buffet and unlimited beverages. A specially curated lunch at Riva Mediterranean restaurant awaits them during the first day; followed by an evening of in-villa BBQ wherein the resort's skillful chef will do a live grilling of premium meats and seafood at the balcony of their over water villa.
During the second day, the F&B team will prepare a tailor-made lunch at Al Nahham restaurant’s balcony, the resort’s Arabic restaurant. Al Nahham serves a wide selection of flavourful Oriental cuisine, with the most favourite dishes such as mixed grill, seabass fillet, grilled lobster, kunafa, in a stunning setting with views of the Arabian Gulf.
Another exceptional dining will be experienced in the evening of the second day, as guests will have the opportunity to have dinner while watching the beauty of the sea waves touch the golden sands of the beach, not to mention the glamorous Doha skyline. In a traditionally designed majlis tent on the beach, guests will be served lamb “shuwa”, slow-cooked lamb meat prepared Bedouin style in a fire pit, along with a wide array of appetizers, main courses, and mouthwatering desserts.
Coming back to the overwater villa, indulge in a very relaxing Cinema Under the Stars set-up by the terrace while enjoying warm popcorn.
For a more memorable fun experience, two hours per day of watersports and non-watersports recreational activities are available for guests to enjoy. These include surf pool sessions, kayaking, stand up paddle, banana boat ride, bowling, golf, tennis, volleyball, and biking. Moreover, the package consists of in-villa Anantara Spa Signature Massage for the whole group, reinforcing the need to fully disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and to rejuvenate in an island paradise such as Banana Island Resort Doha.
Furthermore, to celebrate the upcoming Eid Al Fitr, the resort will be holding a brunch buffet at Azraq restaurant on the second and third days of Eid, from 1.00 pm until 4.00 pm. Share this blessed occasion with family and friends over a delectable Arabic and international spread mindfully prepared by the resort’s seasoned chefs.
Aside from live entertainment and a henna artist, there will be a dedicated kids’ play area with a magician, mascots, and super fun activities for the little ones to enjoy.
For more information and bookings, please call or send WhatsApp to +974 3389 0969
Islamabad, 14 April 2023 (Express Tribune)
Army Chief General Asim Munir on Friday said the elected representatives of the people should determine the country’s destiny and the Army will fully support them in the journey towards development and success of Pakistan.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also conceded that talking to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was a mistake. He was speaking to members of the National Assembly in an in-camera session to brief them about the prevailing security situation.
This was Gen Asim Munir's first briefing to lawmakers after he became the Army chief in November last year.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif; Director General Inter-services Intelligence (ISI); Director General Military Operations; top military officials; Inspector General of Police of provinces of Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan; Federal Secretaries of Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, and Broadcasting, the four provincial Chief Ministers, four provincial Chief Secretaries, and Inspector General of police from four provinces attended the in-camera meeting.
The briefing was arranged against the backdrop of resurgence of terrorism in the country and the recent decision by the government to launch a fresh campaign to stem the tide of this menace.
However, it assumed great significance in view of the current political tensions where the government and Supreme Court are at loggerheads with each other over the issue of holding elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as well as clipping discretionary powers of the chief justice.
Observers believe the presence of the military leadership means that the army stands behind the government.
According to insiders, General Asim said it was the elected representatives of the people who should determine the destiny of the country and the Army would fully back them.
This was seen as significant and in line with the Army Chief’s stance that the army must stay away from politics.
In view of the deepening political crisis, General Asim coined a new term. “We should leave the discussion of 'Naya' (new) and 'Purana' (old) Pakistan and talk about "our Pakistan,” he said with thunderous applause from the lawmakers.
The Army chief also said that Pakistan had no dearth of resources and manpower.
In response to questions asked by the members of the national assembly, Gen Asim said that talking to the banned TTP was a mistake.
After the Taliban takeover, Pakistan initiated talks with the TTP. Initially talks made progress as the two sides entered a ceasefire and Pakistan allowed hundreds of TTP fighters to return as a confidence building measure.
But the move quickly backfired as the returning terrorists started challenging the writ of the state.
The government and the establishment no longer are following the policy of the previous government.
Gen Asim explained that the current campaign against terrorists was part of the already approved and ongoing strategy of the State of Pakistan.
This campaign will include all the necessary components of government like legal, economic, social, and foreign besides security institutions,” he maintained.
“This is not a new operation but a whole of nation approach that reflects the unwavering confidence of the people, and which includes all elements of the state,” he clarified.
“At present there is no no-go area in Pakistan, Alhamdulillah,” the Army chief said. “Behind this success is a large number of martyrs and ghazis who cultivated this country with their blood,” the Army chief remarked.
He said more than 80,000 of them offered sacrifices, including the blood of more than 20,000 Ghaziyans and more than 10,000 martyrs. “Terrorists have no other option but to accept the writ of the state,” General Asim said.
He added that the security forces were ready to maintain peace in the country, and that intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily in this regard.
Meanwhile, the top military officials briefed the gathering on the internal security situation in the country. The DG Military Operations took the House into confidence regarding law and order and counter-terrorism operations in Waziristan.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that peace was restored by the great sacrifices of our martyrs, this hard work was wasted in four years.
The Prime Minister asked why terrorism returned in the country, who brought it? “All the provinces had given funds for the purposes of ending terrorism and reforming FATA, where did those funds go? Where were the resources of billions of rupees given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa used? They have to be answered.”
The Army chief congratulated the Parliament and the members on the completion of 50 years of the implementation of the 1973 Constitution and said that the centre of power is the people of Pakistan, the Constitution of Pakistan, and the Parliament are the reflection of the people's opinion.
He said that the people exercise their opinion through the Constitution and Parliament, the sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah, and the Constitution has been empowered by the command of Allah Almighty.
He added that the Constitution says that the power will be exercised by the elected representatives of the people.
American Chamber of Commerce Qatar
Bangladeshi Community
Filipino Community
Indian Community
Nepali Community
Pakistani Community
Sri Lankan Community